REWILDING

A tween girl feels she must protect her household when her parents’ split throws the family into disarray in Gerlits’ middle-grade novel.

Joy Holderman tries her hardest to deal with her home life. Her dad left, and now it’s just her, her little brother Ian, and their mom in a cul-de-sac house somewhere in Oregon. Her mother is seemingly depressed and often forgets such necessities as food. When the school counselor starts asking too many questions, Joy fears that Child Protective Services agents will stop by, note signs of neglect, and put the kids in foster care. She goes out of her way to ensure that anyone looking in will see nothing but a warm, healthy home. Around the same time, she and Ian begin caring for a baby bird separated from its mother. Joy, worried that her nurturing may be unintentionally harmful, seeks a helping hand from an unlikely source: an eccentric neighbor whose unkempt yard is littered with signs warding off interlopers (“Maybe YOU are the Weed”). Gerlits’ young hero is indelible. Joy’s dad calls her “Bruiser” and says she doesn’t know her own strength; she’s perpetually cautious about her “big hands” and tormented by her memory of inadvertently hurting someone. Joy shines as a big sister—she strives to keep Ian safe and happy, and she closely monitors Dad (when he’s around) for his “shifting moods.” This engaging, straightforward narrative deftly reveals various sides of the characters; readers may sympathize with the kids’ ostensibly neglectful mother or see a handful of relatable traits in the Holdermans’ odd neighbor. There’s also much to learn, from facts about assorted plants one can grow in the backyard to all of the things a bird’s life entails. Durr’s black-and-white illustrations bring the personalities to life, depicting Joy donning old shirts that are a touch too small and Ian displaying his missing-tooth smile.

This uplifting story tackles domestic troubles with consideration and a whole lot of heart.